TAC 4" Oval Straight Sidebars Installation Instructions

Part Number: 4S-D1012-1

Vehicle Compatibility:

• 2009-2018 1500 DODGE RAM CREW CAB (INCL. 19-23 RAM 1500 CLASSIC)
• 2010-2024 25-5500 DODGE RAM CREW CAB (INCL. CHASSIS CAB DIESEL MODELS)

Website: www.tacautoparts.com

Parts List

Installation Procedure

1. Preparation: Remove all contents from the box. Verify all parts are present. Read instructions carefully before starting installation. Drilling may be required.
2. Driver Side Front Bracket Installation: Start at the driver side-front of the vehicle. Remove the sealing tape covering the factory holes in the side of the inner panel. (Refer to Figure 1: Driver/Left front mounting location, noting that 2009-2011 models may lack factory holes in the pinch weld).
   • For models without factory threaded inserts: Partially thread an 8mm Hex Bolt into the threaded end of an 8mm Bolt and Nut Plate. (Refer to Figure 2: 8mm Bolt-8mm Nut Plate). Stop when the Hex Bolt is flush with the welded nut on the plate. (Refer to Figure 3). Use the Hex Bolt as a handle to insert the Bolt and Nut Plate into the oval hole. Feed the threaded end out through one of the hex-shaped factory holes. (Refer to Figure 4). Important: Do not let go of the Hex Bolt until the Plastic Retainer is threaded onto it. Thread an 8mm Plastic Retainer onto the threaded end of the Bolt Plate and tighten it against the body panel. (Refer to Figure 5). This retainer helps prevent the Bolt/Nut Plate from falling into the body panel and aids bracket installation. Select a driver side Mounting Bracket. Attach the bracket to the threaded end of the Bolt Plate using one 8mm Flat Washer, one 8mm Lock Washer, and one 8mm Hex Nut. Do not tighten fully at this time. (Refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7). Remove the 8mm Hex Bolt used in the previous step. Rotate the Bolt Plate so its threaded nut aligns with the remaining hole in the Mounting Bracket and body panel. (Refer to Figures 7 & 8). Attach the bracket to the aligned Nut Plate using one 8mm x 30mm Hex Bolt, one 8mm Lock Washer, and one 8mm Flat Washer. Do not tighten fully at this time. (Refer to Figure 8).
   • For models with factory threaded inserts: Attach the driver side Front Bracket directly to the factory threaded inserts using two 8mm x 30mm Hex Bolts, two 8mm Lock Washers, and two 8mm Flat Washers. Leave hardware loose. (Refer to Figures 9 & 10). The Bolt Plate is not required for these models.
3. Driver Side Support Bracket Installation: Select a driver side Support Bracket. Attach it to the back of the front Bracket using one 8mm x 30mm Hex Bolt, two 8mm Flat Washers, and one 8mm Nylon Lock Nut. (Refer to Figure 11). Rotate the Support Bracket to the back of the pinch weld. Align the slots in the top of the Support Bracket with the two factory holes in the pinch weld. Attach the Bracket to the pinch weld using two 6mm x 25mm Hex Bolts, four 6mm Flat Washers, and two 6mm Nylon Lock Nuts. Do not fully tighten hardware at this time. (Refer to Figure 12). Important Note for 2009-2010 Models without factory holes: These models require drilling through the pinch weld to attach the Support Bracket. Do not drill at this stage; proceed to Step 8 for drilling instructions after initial sidebar leveling.
4. Driver Side Center Bracket Installation: Move to the center mounting location on the driver side of the body panel. (Refer to Figure 13). Repeat steps 2 and 3 (or the relevant sub-steps for your model year) to install the driver side center Bracket and Support Bracket. (Refer to Figure 14).
5. Driver Side Rear Bracket Installation: Move to the rear mounting location. (Refer to Figure 15). Repeat steps 2 and 3 (or the relevant sub-steps for your model year) to install the rear Brackets. (Refer to Figure 16). Note: The cradles on all front, center, and rear Brackets must face forward.
6. Sidebar Attachment (Driver Side): Select the driver/left Sidebar. Carefully position the Sidebar onto the three installed Mounting Brackets. Important: Do not slide or rotate the Sidebar on the Brackets, as this may damage the finish. Attach the Sidebar to the three Brackets using six 8mm Combination Hex Bolts. Do not fully tighten at this time. (Refer to Figures 17, 18, 19).
7. Leveling and Final Tightening (Driver Side): Properly level and adjust the Sidebar on the vehicle. Once leveled, fully tighten all hardware for the driver side installation.
8. Drilling for 2009-2010 Models (Driver Side Support Brackets): If you have a 2009-2010 model without factory holes in the pinch weld, follow these steps for the Support Brackets: Ensure the Sidebar is level to the vehicle. Adjust and tighten all mounting hardware for the sidebar itself. Align the slots on the Support Brackets with the back of the pinch weld. Mark the location of the slots onto the pinch weld. Drill two 1/4" holes through the pinch weld for each Support Bracket. Important: Do not drill too close to the bottom edge of the pinch weld. Adjust the Brackets as necessary to position the slots higher on the body panel, away from the edge. Drill the holes towards the outside of the marked slots. Attach each Support Bracket to the pinch weld using two 6mm Hex Bolts, four 6mm Flat Washers, and two 6mm Nylon Lock Nuts. Check the Sidebar for level, then fully tighten all hardware.
9. Passenger Side Installation: Move to the passenger side of the vehicle. Remove any tape covering the front, center, and rear mounting locations. Repeat steps 2 through 8 (adjusting for passenger side components and locations) for the passenger side installation.
10. Final Inspection and Maintenance: Perform periodic inspections to ensure all hardware remains secure and tight. To protect your investment, wax the product after installation. Regular waxing is recommended to add a protective layer over the finish. Do not use any type of polish or wax that may contain abrasives that could damage the finish. For stainless steel finishes: Aluminum polish may be used to polish small scratches and scuffs. Mild soap can also be used to clean the Sidebars. For gloss black finishes: Mild soap may be used to clean the Sidebars. (The "Installation Complete" image shows the finished installation of the sidebars on the vehicle)